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MARTIAN, THE

Ridley Scott turns in his finest film since Blade Runner. The Martian is such a touching film, that its flaws can be easily overlooked and forgotten. The sheer message and theme of this movie and the way they're presented is what gives this movie its greatness. It's a movie that explores the human condition and has something positive to say about it. We need that in today's cinema and I thank the cast and crew of this movie for giving us this gem. It's an experience worth having.

The Martian stars Matt Damon in one of his career best performances as an astronaut who gets stuck on Mars when his teams leaves him behind, thinking he's dead after he is struck by debris in the middle of a storm. When he is able to get in touch with NASA, their higher-ups and a few other organizations, rally up to rescue him. I have to tell you that is NOT like Gravity. It is not a one-man show, though Damon does have significant screen time. There is an entire supporting ensemble that provides serviceable and strong performances. And yet, despite the acting of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig, and Michael Pe�a, Matt Damon does steal the show. He is very committed with every character choice and really inhabits the man he's portraying. Damon doesn't layer him with underlying sadness or anxiety, instead he shows us the determination of a man who has weighed his options, and has chosen to do something about his situation. Towards the end, when he finally breaks down, it hits us harder. We get choked up seeing this person who has stayed strong for so long and then finally lets out what he's been holding back. It's a powerful thing.

Secondly, the film has an amazing tone. With a soundtrack filled with Gloria Gaynor, ABBA, and David Bowie, the fun of this movie won't go understated. The soundtrack compliments the numerous comedic moments that come at a rate that could have this film labeled as a sci-fi comedy. It is funny and entertaining and will have you dancing or humming along. It's good Scott gave this movie this tone because it matches the lasting message he wants us to have - that even though the situation is bad, a combination of survival instincts and intelligence can get us through it. And, with the love and care of others, a seemingly insurmountable situation becomes surmountable.

I'll tell you my favorite part. There is a moment in the movie when NASA is having trouble getting supplies to our protagonist and the issues are being broadcast. A major science organization is watching it from China, and they decide to help out NASA. There are no hard feelings, ill will, prideful rejections or rivalries going on. The Chinese organization asks for nothing in return. It is just two organization banning together for the same cause. It is beautiful and speaks volumes, especially considering the public perception of American-Chinese relations.

Now there are those who may say that the tone demeans the more dramatic moments, but I disagree. The dramatic moments in this movie aren't really all that dramatic anyway. They're more like lighthearted drama if anything. There is one moment in the movie in which we abruptly and rather un-smoothly get shown the inevitable "problem" within the film. The Debbie Downer that the protagonist must overcome to make his victory that much sweeter. I'll admit, it isn't presented in the best way, but that's not the most dramatic part of the film. That comes at the time our main character believes he's about to go home. That moment is built not by the tone of the film, but by the performance of Matt Damon.

As a matter of fact, the only criticism other than the aforementioned is the pacing of the movie. It's about 10 minutes too long. There are many throwaway scenes, scenes that aren't necessary and could be done without whether because they're repetitive, or just get in the way of Scott getting to his point quicker and more effectively. The problems ensue towards the end as well, when the pacing suffers and so does the tension. It is so close to being what it should have been, but I wasn't hanging on as much as I could or should have. That's because of the moment of comedic relief that is added and the same with many of the scenes I mentioned. There are some scenes that are necessary, or helpful, but could be trimmed down.

Nonetheless, the flaws are minor and able to be overlooked. The Martian is still one of the best movies of this decade. With that said, I give this movie 5 out 5 stars and, due to some surprisingly frequent language, I recommend it for ages 13 to 18. It opens October 2 at a theater near you. Please go see it.

This is a stellar film (pun intended). It's not a one-man show like Galaxy but Damon definitely steals the show with his demeanor which draws you in and makes you believe that he COULD be that astronaut, on Mars, who was left behind and who "sciences the s--t out of it" to save his own life and return to earth.

The Martian landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. The shots of space are extraordinary and the shots of the potatoes growing on Mars look real because, apparently, they actually grew them on set.

What you walk away from in this film is that the will to live is so strong that, this guy, this botanist, puts every ounce of his being into doing just that. The other thing is that, when you use what you know of science and engineering to its utmost, it's amazing what you might be able to accomplish. Loved it!

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.